Current events
Sign up for CGC enews...
Send us your email address to receive the latest news and class information from CGC.
plant of the week
Plant of the week for July 2, 2009– Vitex agnus-castus
Plant Information:
Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as monk’s pepper, chaste tree, or sometimes quite simply as vitex, is another plant that is growing at its northern limits here. As the first two common names suggest, derivatives of Vitex agnus-castus are reputed to dampen the human sex drive. We only grow it for the ornamental qualities, of course.
Topped by long spikes of pale lavender blooms, chaste tree may grow as tall as eight or ten feet. However, a severe winter may kill it back to the ground. This is not the end of the story for a specimen. The root system, especially in established plants, is quite hardy and will sprout new shoots.
Gardeners who wish to grow this plant should be prepared to field comments about the foliage. The leaves are palmately compound (meaning an individual leaf is composed of several leaflets, each attached to a single common point and radiating from that; not unlike fingers of an outspread hand) and there are usually five to seven leaflets. Some seem to think this resembles the foliage of Cannabis sativa (marijuana). Rest assured that it is not, and that chaste tree is perfectly legal to grow and enjoy in the garden.
Save the Dates...
Neighborhood Gardens Tour
July 23, 2009 from 5:30 - 8:30 pm RSVP 513-221-0981 x 18 details
green drinks cincinnati
Green Drinks International is meeting on the third Thursday of every month. For more information, visit the Green Drinks blog.
green drinks mason
Green Drinks Mason has started it own chapter. Check out their blog: Green Drinks blog.
coming soon...
You will be able to shop for Civic Garden Center gifts online.
Check back the next time you're looking for a treat for your favorite gardener or composter!
We Dig the Civic Garden Center!
The Civic Garden Center is a non-profit horticultural resource that enriches lives through education, community beautification and environmental stewardship.
The Civic Garden Center is an oasis in the city - eight beautifully landscaped acres open daily to visitors at no charge and located 2.5 miles from downtown Cincinnati. Volunteers donate their time to maintain the grounds, and they and others provide financial support to the organization that was founded in 1942. Find out more about us...
Our cornerstone programs - Neighborhood Gardens touch 23 communities with over 47 active gardens. Compost Kids and Summer Sprouts programs introduce young people to gardening.
The Civic Garden Center provides education and information to individuals, schools, organizations and businesses through its Horticulture Helpline, library, classes, hands-on workshops, tours, special events and outreach programs.
Gardening is a great equalizer.
Demographic and cultural barriers are non existent because people digging, getting dirty and sharing nature's beauty look pretty much the same.
Upcoming Classes
Come to a class to increase your knowledge or inspire creativity! Many new and long awaited topics are being offered... »more
Volunteer Information
Over 500 strong, our volunteers accomplish what seven full-time staff members would in one year... »more
STUCK in the Mud? Call our HORTICULTURE HELPLINE - 513.221-TREE
The Helpline is a cooperative effort with the Ohio State Extension Office.
.jpg)
How to Find Us
Ways to Give
Support the Civic Garden Center through shopping at iGive.com
Shop retailers that will donate a portion of your shopping dollars directly to CGC! iGive.com
